Miguel Cardoso promises January reinforcements as Mamelodi Sundowns plot comeback after CAF Champions League exit

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed plans to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window as the South African giants look to recover from their disappointing CAF Champions League exit and remain competitive in the domestic competitions.

The Portuguese tactician is expected to welcome reinforcements midway through the season, with Ecuador international Jhegson Méndez reportedly among the players Sundowns are looking to bring in.

The planned additions come after a challenging first half of the campaign for Cardoso, who has had to manage a series of injuries to key members of his squad.

Teboho Mokoena, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and Khuliso Mudau have all missed parts of the season, while Keanu Cupido, Kegan Johannes and Grant Kekana have also struggled with fitness problems.

The absence of several established players has disrupted Sundowns’ preparations and limited Cardoso’s options as the club competes on multiple fronts.

Although their CAF Champions League campaign has ended prematurely, the coach believes reinforcements and the return of injured players can provide the team with the strength needed to pursue the remaining trophies.

Cardoso refuses to dwell on CAF Champions League disappointment

Sundowns’ elimination from the CAF Champions League represents a significant setback for a club that has consistently targeted continental success.

Cardoso admitted that the disappointment had affected their season but insisted his players must now concentrate on the immediate challenges ahead.

The Brazilians have several important fixtures to negotiate before the FIFA international break, including the Carling competition and the CAF Super Cup.

“We had a big setback [CAF Champions League exit] to our season… it was an important moment that we should have accomplished, but we did not,” Cardoso told the media.

“So, we need to deal with that responsibility, and the only thing we can do is to be as strong as we can.”

The coach stressed that Sundowns cannot afford to lose focus despite the disappointment, with the remaining competitions presenting opportunities to salvage their campaign.

January signings expected to strengthen Sundowns

Cardoso has also indicated that the club will make additions to its squad when the January transfer window opens, providing a potential boost to a team that has been affected by injuries.

Méndez is among the players linked with a move to Chloorkop, although Cardoso did not specifically confirm the Ecuadorian midfielder’s proposed arrival.

The coach is also encouraged by the prospect of welcoming injured players back into the squad, believing their availability, alongside new signings, will improve the team’s competitiveness.

“We have been suffering also with losses, [due to injuries], but players are coming back.

“They will come back. The team will proceed.

“We will have reinforcements, and that will make us stronger,” he added.

The expected additions could prove important as Sundowns attempt to maintain their domestic dominance following the disappointment of their continental campaign.

Cardoso calls for supporters’ backing

With the CAF Champions League no longer part of their schedule, Cardoso has promised Sundowns supporters that his team will remain committed to fighting for every available trophy.

However, the coach was careful not to make guarantees about silverware, instead emphasising hard work, determination and collective responsibility.

“The only thing I can promise to Mamelodi Sundowns fans is that we are going to push to fight for everything we can. We don’t promise nothing, but we promise work and determination and a lot of commitment.”

He also appealed for supporters to remain positive and provide the team with the backing needed to navigate the difficult period.

“We need them. We need the energy from the fans,” he continued. “We need everybody to be positive around the team.”

Cardoso believes the relationship between the players and supporters will be important as Sundowns attempt to regain momentum and build consistency in the remaining months of the campaign.

No room for complacency as Sundowns target recovery

Despite recognising the positive impact of victories, Cardoso has warned his players against becoming complacent as the season progresses.

The coach wants his squad to maintain discipline and remain focused on improving, particularly after experiencing both encouraging results and disappointing setbacks.

He believes developing resilience, character and the right mentality will be essential to their ambitions.

“Of course, working over victories gives positive energy, gives good emotions, but should not lift our feet from the ground because it is with our feet on the ground that we can take steps,” he said.

“As much as the season is still a child, as much as we already have good things, and also bad ones, we need to develop resilience, attitude, character, and fight against everything that we have on our way.”

For Cardoso, the immediate priority remains the next fixture rather than looking too far ahead.

He insisted that Sundowns must approach every match with the same level of urgency as they seek to finish the season strongly.

“Tuesday is the most important match of our lives, and that is how we have to think at Sundowns, always about the next one,” he concluded.